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Literal Spring Cleaning

I can't take it anymore! My space is protected by Killer Dust Bunnies!

Let's get a dialogue going on how best to organize our stashes. What do you use to corral items? Are you a box, shelf or bin person? Do you like clear boxes, drawers, labeling, color coding or what else?

I found these cool drawers on Amazon.com Have I told you that I have become an Amazon junkie?

You can get ANTYHING there! And not always from big suppliers, they sell little guys stuff too.

We have our favorite coffee and teabags delivered monthly, it seems an Amazon package shows up at least twice a week with something.

Below is a hodgepodge that will be dismantled this week. I do love my IKEA dining room sideboard, the drawers are shallow and meant for linens but are perfect for German Scrap, boxes of buttons and trims, etc. I do love the black and see thru drawers but cannot find them anymore.

The photo below is obviously a work in progress, and you should see the closet!

I am doing a layout to create the most useable space with a standing work area for projects and packing, my computer work area, storage of all sorts and such.

Have you ever entered a room and felt uncomfortable for no obvious reason? If so, your senses are keen and probably tuned into the chi or lack thereof in the room. If you have ever studied Feng Shui you know spaces can be affected by the placement of items.

By organizing our environment randomly, we do not take control of how it affects us and give it the chance to become an obstacle without even realizing of it. Feng shui teaches us that the spaces where we live or work should be thoughtfully disposed in order to take the best advantage of them and make them be a help to us rather than an obstacle.

Feng shui shows us how our spaces can be designed and re-arranged in order to provide us the right balance and harmony. Simple things such as the position in which we place our desk, can become determinative to the harmony we feel in that space, and affect factors such as the concentration we may have when working in that space. I have a desk and Feng Shui principles tell us not to place a desk looking out a window, there are theories about why, however it does limit distractions. I have a lovely bay window in my space and it's hard not to look out!

The term chi denominates the energy of a space, which is always changing and moving and depends on the five elements. Feng shui studies the way chi moves and acts as an invisible force determining the kind of energy that objects and everything that surrounds us contain.

SO, bottom line, how do you organize? Do you have any tips for us, or containers you could never live without? Maybe a filing system that really works? Share your thoughts.

Have a totally fruitful, creative, yet organized day (is that possible as an artist?)

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Dina Wakley is a mixed-media artist and teacher. She
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where she gives tours to school groups and gets kids excited about art. As a Ranger Signature Designer, Dina
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You will need two envelopes for this project. One is what the post office calls the 6 1/4 Commercial envelope. When I was growing up we just called it a letter envelope. It's a smaller rectangle than the #10, being just 3 5/8" x 6 1/4". The other is a standard A6. I chose the A6 because it fits inside the letter envelope when it's folded in half and it's also large enough to hold a check or cash, as well as a gift card.

With the flap against the body of the envelope, fold it in half from side to side. Cut the flap in half and trim the inside cuts at an angle so that they don't interfere with the fold or get bunched up.

Decorate the flap side of your envelope. This will be the inside of your card. Fold the envelope again and decorate the side that will be the front of your card.